keep us posted

 

Thanks. Now I can't take my 8 to the dealership to redeem some of my free oil changes! Damn dealerships

 

+1 for dealer warranty to ease the costs of repairs

-10 for dealer techs being absolutely incompetent. I took my car in for a recall and the service writer asked me if I wanted an oil change, I said no but the friggin tech changed out my BRAND NEW Redline oil to some crap Penzoil. Not only that but when I drove it for a week, the car lost over a quart of oil because the tech didn't tighten the oil drain plug. Luckily I caught it and my motor didn't blow but I hope they give you a NEW motor for all the crap that you had to go through.

 

The verdict is in and I got lucky - almost like before I was married!

The engine is okay according to Mazda dealer and according to my right foot. It seems I shut it down in time. The problem was a cracked/broken/pin-hole in my oil line going to the oil cooler. The oil was squirting out all the while I was driving, essentially rustproofing my entire undercarriage.

The water I saw under my car during my breakdown (coincidentally coinciding with my car's breakdown) was from the AC system. My mistake was that I let the car sit for 5 or 10 minutes after I shut it down before I rolled it backward to look at the volume (and nature) of the leakage. Once I moved it I kind of lost track of where each puddle was in relation to the engine. In my despair I assumed the worst.

The lack of power during driving must have been a lack of traction due to a constant layer of oil being applied to my rear tires (I'm guessing on this one). I never noticed the traction control light coming on, but I suppose it could have??? It was a bright sunny day and I was a little freaked out that they broke my car doing a simple oil change.

Anyway, I guess I owe my Mazda dealer a little credit/apology for assuming the worst. The coincidence is too great for me to believe the oil line broke itself at the exact moment I was leaving the dealership after an oil change, so I'm still assuming they broke the oil line. Hey, Stuff happens - I'm just glad my baby is well.

Again: Kudos to the service manager at my dealer - he kept me informed and made sure he got to the bottom of the issue and made sure my car was perfect.

Everyone: Thanks for all the moral support!!

 

I've had a similar experience with one of those express lube places. The technician did not put the drain plug in all the way. Luckily, I was still in their parking lot when the light came on.

My god, how can they be so bad at their job?

 

where's the little forehead wiping, "phew" smilie?

glad it's ok, and, more importantly - over!

 

So... I'm gonna guess you went to Cooley? Just curious since this is where I always bring my car..

 

Nope... Orange.

Ken, the service manager is a great guy, but I have yet to find a dealership with a competent staff of service techs.

How has your experience been with Cooley? I was considering buying my next rotary there.

 

Gogo engine. GL man

 

Ken himself is a great guy, but after a few overall expiriences I've had with Orange as a whole I wouldn't ever think about going back for anything. Cooley is VERY credible. They have always been completely straightforward and honest, things have been done in a timely manner, and they have treated me like gold from day one. Not to mention they have one a rotary specialist there as oppossed to most mazda dealerships...

 

Well sucks to hear! But atleast it wasnt a blown motor & you waiting weeks for your car back! I had a friend who got her car done at a Lube place.. I was on vacation visiting her & we were driving around.. Started to knowtice oil leaks & a burnin smell.. I popped the hood & the oil cap wasnt installed on the top side of the motor & no where to be found..

I sat there asking myself: HOW DO YOU FORGET THAT?